Iris cristata Aiton
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Authority
Gleason, Henry A. & Cronquist, Arthur J. 1991. Manual of vascular plants of northeastern United States and adjacent Canada. lxxv + 910 pp.
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Family
Iridaceae
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Scientific Name
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Description
Species Description - Lvs broadly linear, usually somewhat curved-arching, light green, slightly glaucescent on one side, well developed at anthesis, 1–2 dm × 9–25 mm, later elongating slightly; spathe 1–2-fld, the valves rather loosely sheathing each other, the lower ones often spaced on a scape-like stalk; perianth-tube greenish, often streaked with purple or brown, 4–6 cm, much exceeding the spathe, the limb 6–8 cm wide, light violet to lilac or purple, rarely pale or white; sep with a strong, several-ridged, yellow or whitish crest bordered by a white zone outlined in violet or purple, not at all pubescent; pet spreading, oblanceolate, slightly emarginate or blunt, with broad claw; capsule ellipsoid, ovoid, or obovoid, sharply 3-angled, minutely beaked; seeds orange-brown, arillate; 2n=24, 32. Rich woods, banks, and cliffs, in acid soil; Md. to Okla. and Ga. Apr., May.